The corner of her lip lifts. “Friend? Are you sure?”
Sighing, I shake my head. “To be honest, I haven’t a clue what we are. He’s probably one of the closest friends I have, and he’s been there for me since the whole thing with…you know, but I think I might have messed it up by running away.” I take a large gulp of my lemonade and avoid her eye.
“Well, I’m glad you didn’t marry Pete.”
The lemonade gets caught in my throat, and suddenly it’s burning while I cough and splutter.
Hitting my chest a few times, I garble. “What?”
Thea shrugs. “I know we haven’t been close growing up, and I know that you probably see Emmy as more of a sister–please don’t interrupt–” I close my mouth as she carries on. “But I admire you for saying no to our mother and doing what youfinallywant to do.”
I place my hand palm up on the table and wiggle my fingers.
Thea eyes it like a spider. “What in the world are you doing?”
I roll my eyes. “It’s the universal sign for ‘hold my hand’.”
“Oh.” She places her hand in mine.
“Thea, I love you, and although Emmy is like a sister to me, that doesn’t mean she replaces you; it means I’m lucky enough to have you both.”
Her smile is warm. “I wish I could have your strength, Hayleigh.”
My brow furrows. “What do you mean?”
Her eyes water. “I don’t want to get married, Hayleigh. I don’t love him; I don’t even like him.”
My heart beats wildly as she drops the bombshell. I swallow before saying. “Then don’t. Come back with me to Roselake.”
Chapter 17
Nate
“Archie, what did she say?” I rush out.
I am going to lose my shit with him if he doesn’t answer me.
He shrugs. “She asked if you were okay and…I said you were great and then…I may have ended the call.” He rushes the last part out.
I blink.
Stunned.
This guy is an idiot.
Putting my hands on my hips, I mimic the dad pose. “Did you ask her how she was?”
He shakes his head.
“Asked what she’s been up to?”
Again, he shakes his head.
I throw my hands in the air. “So, you learned absolutely nothing but told her I was great?”
He nods.
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I grit out. “Okay, well, back to work. We don’t have all day. Is she still coming back next week?”
